On Thursday, February 25, communities across the United States join The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Welcoming Schools program for Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings in support of transgender and non-binary youth. This year, the program is showcasing three books:
These books are important because "when students read books where they see characters like themselves who are valued in the world, they feel a sense of belonging. When students have the opportunity to learn about diverse backgrounds, languages, abilities and perspectives, they develop an understanding about the wider world."
Since we are still holding virtual events, we've decided to participate online! Visit our YouTube channel or scroll down to see videos of our librarians reading this year's featured books, along with questions and activities you can do with your family after listening to the story.
We've also put together a list of books about gender identity and gender expression for readers of all ages you can browse for other great titles.
I Am Jazz
Questions
- Jazz says that her favorite colors are pink, silver and green. What are your favorite colors?
- What are some things you have in common with Jazz? What are some things that are different?
- In the book, Jazz says that she is transgender. Can you describe what transgender means?
- What are some things that Jazz does to show the world that she is a girl?
- If you knew Jazz, what could you do to help her feel safe and welcomed?
Activities
- List some of the things you do to show the world who you are inside. Include activities and things you wear.
- Make a T-chart called Welcoming Schools: On one side, list some things that adults in your school could do to make a transgender student feel safe, welcome and included. On the other side, list some things students could do to make a transgender classmate feel safe, welcome and included.
- Write a letter to Jazz telling her about the things you like and do.
When Adian Became a Brother
Questions
- What does it mean to be transgender?
- What did Aidan’s parents do to fix the parts of his life that didn’t fit anymore?
- Aidan explored different ways of being a boy.
- What are some of the things he did to show the world how he wanted to be a boy? Look at the illustrations for clues.
- Aidan was concerned about getting everything right for the new baby. What were some of the things that he worried about?
- What are some things Aidan and his parents did to get ready for the new baby?
Activities
- Make a list of some of the things that you do to show the world who you are inside.
- Pretend that your family is expecting a baby. Draw a picture or make a collage of a bedroom that could make someone who is a boy, girl, both or neither comfortable and happy. Explore some of the toys and furnishings you would put into the room.
- What names would you choose to pick from for a new baby? We think of many names as “boy names” and “girl names”, but that doesn’t include all the genders that people can be. Make a list of names that you would like for a baby who might be a boy, girl, both or neither
My Rainbow
Questions
- What does the term transgender mean? Think about how Trinity described herself.
- What does the term cisgender mean? Think about how Trinity described her mother.
- Why is having longer hair so important to Trinity?
- What do the rainbow colors in Trinity’s new wig represent?
Activities
- Draw a picture of yourself with “new hair” that represents something that you like or value. It could represent your favorite book or video game.
- Talk with at least one other person about what it can mean when a person is transgender.
- Find out about a celebrity who is transgender. What does that person do?
More Information from the Human Rights Campaign
Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to a Washington County librarian at your local branchto get their best recommendation for you. Happy reading!